
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). While Eliquis is widely used and has been shown to be effective in lowering the risk of stroke, it does not guarantee that a stroke won't occur. Taking Eliquis can also increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which is a rare but serious side effect wherein a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can Eliquis cause hemorrhagic stroke? | Yes |
Is Eliquis a prescription medicine? | Yes |
What is Eliquis used for? | To reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) |
What is AFib? | A type of irregular heartbeat |
What is the brand name of the anticoagulant apixaban? | Eliquis |
Is Eliquis effective in lowering stroke risk? | Yes |
Is Eliquis safer than drugs such as warfarin and dabigatran? | Yes |
Can you have a stroke while on Eliquis if you have AFib? | Yes |
Can Eliquis cause side effects? | Yes |
What are some possible side effects of Eliquis? | Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bruising easily, bleeding that takes longer to stop, joint pain or swelling, shortness of breath or wheezing |
Who should not take Eliquis? | People who drink large amounts of alcohol, have kidney and/or liver disease, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, have a history of bleeding complications, or have artificial heart valves |
What You'll Learn
- Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- AFib is a heart rhythm disturbance characterised by chaotic and unpredictable beating of the heart's upper chambers (atria)
- Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication that works by interfering with the clotting process
- Eliquis is not suitable for people with a history of bleeding complications or those with artificial heart valves
- Eliquis has a black box warning for increased blood clot risk with early discontinuation
Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat not caused by a heart valve problem. People with AFib are at a higher risk of stroke, and Eliquis is proven to be effective in reducing this risk.
AFib is a common heart rhythm disturbance that causes chaotic and unpredictable beating in the upper chambers of the heart (atria). This irregular beating allows blood to pool and form blood clots in the atria, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Eliquis, an anticoagulant or "blood thinner", works by interfering with the process of coagulation, preventing the formation of blood clots.
In a clinical study, Eliquis was found to be superior to warfarin, another anticoagulant, in reducing the risk of stroke. Eliquis also resulted in less major bleeding compared to warfarin. In another study, Eliquis was associated with a lower stroke risk compared to the anticoagulant rivaroxaban.
While Eliquis is effective in reducing the risk of stroke, it does not guarantee that a stroke won't occur. Additionally, it is important to note that Eliquis can increase the risk of bleeding, including the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures.
Eliquis is usually taken orally, twice a day, and it is important to follow the prescribed dosage to ensure effectiveness and minimize the risk of side effects. It is not suitable for everyone, and individuals should consult their doctor to determine if Eliquis is safe and appropriate for them.
Stroke Impact on Periods: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
AFib is a heart rhythm disturbance characterised by chaotic and unpredictable beating of the heart's upper chambers (atria)
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. AFib is a heart rhythm disturbance characterised by chaotic and unpredictable beating of the heart's upper chambers (atria).
During AFib, the heart's electrical system doesn't work as it should. Instead of a steady, regular pattern of electrical impulses firing, multiple different impulses fire rapidly at the same time. This causes a fast, chaotic rhythm in the atria, resulting in a rapid, irregular heartbeat. The atria can't effectively contract or pump blood into the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), and blood can pool and form blood clots. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia and is a major risk factor for stroke, especially among older adults. People with AFib are four to six times more likely to have a stroke compared to those without the condition. AFib can be occasional or constant, and its episodes can last from less than a week to over a year.
To lower the risk of stroke, doctors often prescribe anticoagulant medications like Eliquis, which interfere with the clotting process. While Eliquis doesn't cure or treat the abnormal heart rhythm associated with AFib, it can effectively lower the risk of blood clot formation.
Effective ALCs for Stroke Recovery: Medicine Options
You may want to see also
Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication that works by interfering with the clotting process
Eliquis is a prescription-only medication that is used to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause a stroke. Eliquis is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Eliquis is an anticoagulant, often referred to as a blood thinner. It works by interfering with the clotting process. Specifically, it blocks substances in the blood, called clotting factors, from forming a blood clot. This makes the blood less likely to clot. The clotting factors that Eliquis targets are proteins made by the liver.
The active ingredient in Eliquis is apixaban, and it belongs to the class of drugs known as factor Xa inhibitors. This means that it selectively inhibits (blocks) the effects of factor Xa (FXa), an enzyme that plays a key role in the formation of substances that cause blood clotting.
Eliquis is usually taken twice a day and can be taken with or without food. It is important to take Eliquis as prescribed, and not to stop taking it without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Eliquis treatment early can increase the risk of developing a blood clot and having a stroke.
Cymbalta and Stroke: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Eliquis is not suitable for people with a history of bleeding complications or those with artificial heart valves
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. It is also used to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) and to prevent them from occurring again.
While Eliquis is a widely used and effective medication, it may not be suitable for everyone. Eliquis is not recommended for people with a history of bleeding complications or those with artificial heart valves. This is because Eliquis is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner, that works by interfering with the body's natural clotting process. By preventing blood from solidifying in the form of a clot, Eliquis can lead to dangerous bleeding risks in certain individuals.
People with a history of bleeding complications may be at a higher risk of serious bleeding events if they take Eliquis. This includes internal bleeding, which is a rare but serious side effect, as well as bleeding from cuts, the nose, gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Eliquis may also cause joint pain or swelling, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
For individuals with artificial heart valves, the safety and efficacy of Eliquis have not been established, and it is not recommended for this group. Other medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), may be more suitable for people with artificial heart valves or a history of bleeding complications.
It is important to consult a doctor to determine if Eliquis is safe and appropriate, as they can assess a person's overall health and lifestyle.
Widen Your Pencil Strokes: Techniques for Broader Lines
You may want to see also
Eliquis has a black box warning for increased blood clot risk with early discontinuation
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood to pool in the atria (upper chambers of the heart) and form blood clots. These blood clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Eliquis is a blood thinner that works by blocking Factor Xa, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the formation of blood clots.
While Eliquis can help lower the risk of stroke, it does not guarantee that a stroke won't occur. Additionally, taking Eliquis may increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blockage of blood flow in an artery supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. Taking Eliquis won't prevent a hemorrhagic stroke and may even make the bleeding event more serious.
Eliquis has a black box warning regarding the increased risk of blood clots with early discontinuation. According to the warning, premature discontinuation of Eliquis increases the risk of thrombotic events, including blood clots. The warning also states that if Eliquis is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding, coverage with another anticoagulant should be considered to reduce the risk of thrombotic events.
In addition to the increased risk of blood clots, there are several other serious side effects associated with Eliquis, including:
- Joint pain or swelling
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Red or black, tarry stools
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Severe or uncontrollable bleeding from an injury
- Coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Chest pain or tightness
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Stroke Survivors: Returning to Work and Productivity
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat.
Eliquis has been shown to be superior to warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolism and causes significantly less major bleeding based on large randomized trials. However, there is a risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Taking Eliquis won't prevent a hemorrhagic stroke and may even make the bleeding event more serious.
The most common side effect of Eliquis is bleeding. People may experience heavier and longer periods, cuts that bleed longer than usual, and nosebleeds. Other side effects include joint pain or swelling, shortness of breath, and wheezing.